I’ve been known (a time or two or many more) to remind my students that the only way to truly get better at something is to put in the time and effort needed to get really good at that thing. In other words, it takes some rehearsing, practice, some repetitive movement — doing the necessary actions over and over again to get really good at a skill you’re trying to perfect.
The old saying, practice makes perfect, is thrown around all the time in everyday conversation. But, I like to say that practice makes better and better and better. Because truthfully, who determines the definition of true perfection? The definition is subjective and depends on who the definition holder is.
In fact, I guarantee that if you lined up 100 individuals and asked them to give a definition of what “perfect” (around a certain skill set) looks like, all 100 individuals would have different definitions.
So, in my humble opinion, I think that “practice makes better” provides a more appropriate description of the outcome from repetitive action toward perfecting (or getting better — more proficient) at a skill.
There’s no magic formula, overnight success pill, or push-button command that will bring a sought-after skill into proficiency. No, it takes work; and sometimes, REALLY HARD work and dedication to that work to bring about the notable results you’re looking for.
The GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) in any field/subject/arena didn’t acquire that status through unlikely happenstance, wishing upon a star, or waiting around for a miracle to drop down from the sky. The GOAT becomes a GOAT by putting in the work . . . putting in the time . . . and putting in that work and time over and over and over again.
Nothing glamorous about it. It takes discipline to go after skill betterment and to continue on that pursuit path until the skill goal gets got.
And check this out: DISCIPLINE encompasses effort, initiative, a growth mindset, commitment, consistency, and perseverance — all wrapped up within it. Every success ingredient necessary to achieve a skill goal.
When encouraging my reading student to increase their proficiency in reading or when encouraging myself to learn new things (like my voyage into grant writing), I bring in the understanding that what we do (actions taken) each day . . . little by little . . . incrementally . . . is what brings about the successful outcome.
That’s why I’ve become an avid “Habits” supporter. (More to come on what I’ve been learning about habits.)
Becoming a better reader and writer has everything to do with “the practice” you put in within your day-to-day, throughout your week. Those POSITIVE habits that build results over time.
And here’s the thing: you have to be disciplined enough to do some things over and over again — to the point of ridiculous exhaustion even. So that, when the average person gets bored and wants to quit “the practice,” YOU defy the status quo and push through to let “the practice” live another day.
Try this to validate the claim I just made: ask someone you know (a GOAT in his or her own right), who has achieved some notable level of success in life, how he or she came upon that success.
I can only imagine that you’re going to get a response that involves something along the lines of . . . disciplined practice . . . somewhere within it.
And just so you know, I’m not going to tell you to do something I’m not trying to do myself. I’m talking the talk and walking the walk. Case in point: I’ve been learning Hebrew over the last several years. Well actually, my family and I have been learning Hebrew together: me, my husband, and all three children.
And, the experience is akin to what my tutoring students must be feeling as young readers, deciphering the English language. It can be tough learning all the phonetics, decoding skills, and syntax. Not to mention, there are rules on how to use the English language, but there are so, so many exceptions to some of those same rules.
The Hebrew language is the same way. But, my family and I are committed to putting in the work to great really good at reading it, speaking it, and comprehending it. And just like my little readers during tutoring, I’m finding myself starting with grasping a strong command of the foundational, building blocks of the Hebrew language and building from there.
It will continue to take every bit of “putting in the work . . . putting in the time . . . and putting in that work and time over and over and over again” to become proficient in Hebrew. But, I’m doing it daily. Discipline is my go-to for success in this effort. I’m all in. Have been for years.
A little instruction every day (and I mean every day), taking consistent baby steps, through Zoom classes, YouTube family study, and independent reading/studying, has led me and my family toward making some giant strides (and even leaps) in our Hebrew language proficiency. And who knows . . . maybe I’ll be able to call myself bilingual and biliterate one of these years in the not-too-distant future. A literacy advocate can only hope . . . well, actually, can only “keep practicing.”
So, here’s to disciplined practice. It works. And, it will be that one true defining factor that will separate you from success or failure in skill betterment.
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Well, hi there, Phil. I pray you and your family are doing well. You always have a way of making me smile as I read your wonderful comments. I mean it. Every time! And, I’m smiling right now as I’m typing this response to you, especially after seeing the “best of luck with your Hebrew efforts” statement. I’ll need every bit of well wishes on that front, but the family and I are coming along and making progress. Baby steps, for sure. Hee. Hee. Thank you for bringing the bright sunshine to my day. And I certainly agree with everything you’ve stated. Those old, wise sayings definitely transcend time and are as relevant now as they were back in the day. That “practice makes perfect” saying never really sat well with me though, for that reason that you mentioned. Who can be truly “perfect?” And, what is the definition of “perfection?” It’s too subjective in the human mind to create an absolute of what that looks like. So yes, I tend to think of practicing as a way to get you closer to where you want to be or closer to whatever “perfect” may look like in the eyes of the beholder. Thank you once again for gracing me with your presence. It’s always a pleasure.
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Well, I certainly like your reference to the saying “practice maketh perfect”; at least, that is how my mother used to phrase it. Another one of those old but usually very relevant saying goes something like, “If you don’t first succeed, try, try, and try again”. They obviously go hand in hand, and they both take continuous effort, something, unfortunately, hard to find these days where instant gratification triumphs.
Trying to learn another language is certainly not on my to-do list. I find it takes considerable time and effort to be reasonably efficient and effective in English—so best of luck with your Hebrew efforts.
Thinking further on the subject of sayings, I have found, as I get older, that the old sayings, some of which have been around for centuries, are usually very accurate. Many generations have been involved in their general acceptance – “truisms”, I believe—another one of those strange words.
By the way, I am not sure that true “perfection,” regardless of one’s definition, is even possible. One can continue trying, but it is impossible to achieve. The objective should be to do the best one can.
Regards, Phil
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